Camp Simcha raise £2.8m in 36-hr fundraiser as Jewish community ‘steps up’

Boss of the UK-based charity, which helps poorly children and their families, says those it supports 'now need more from us'

Supporters of Camp Simcha raised £2.85m during its 2023 appeal

Supporters of a Jewish charity that supports poorly Jewish children and their families have raised a vital £2.8m from 13,700 donations in a 36-hour fundraising appeal.

Camp Simcha, which helps children suffering from serious childhood illnesses, had not held a fundraiser for two years, and this week the charity’s boss said the Jewish community had “stepped up” when needed.

Its campaign featured a short video starring Scottish actress Sharon Small and Scottish actor David Tennant, saying ‘simcha’ in a Scots accent. “It’s kind of a Scottish word, really,” said the former Doctor Who star.

The charity has supported more than 1,400 family members over the past year, many of whom “need more from us than they previously did”, said chief executive Neville Goldschneider.

The charity’s monkey mascot, Simi, hitting the phones

“The amazing communal support we received over the past two days will help ensure we can be there for every family that needs us.

“Even in the most difficult of times, our wonderful community has stepped up and been so incredibly generous. We are overwhelmed and beyond grateful.”

The Goldberg family, who are supported by Camp Simcha, get involved in the appeal in Manchester

He said the charity, which provides practical, therapeutic, and emotional support, “cannot operate on waiting lists because when a family needs our support, they need it immediately”.

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